Do you become anxious just thinking about getting a prescription filled? You can decrease your monthly expenses for prescription drugs, and maybe even eliminate some of your medicines. At times it is a minor thing, and there are other times that you may have to make a bigger commitment.
The Why: Pharmacists often listen to customer complaints about how expensive medications have become. You can obtain less expensive prescription drugs in a number of ways, but you first have to ask WHY they are cheaper.
• When you see your physician, make sure you are ready. Write down any questions that you want to remember to ask. Prepare yourself with questions and bring them, which enables you not to forget.
• When you are handed those attractively packaged samples, you should ask some questions:
o Why is this medication being prescribed for me?
o Will changes to your lifestyle help to alleviate the problem? For overweight people, would weight loss prevent you from needing this medication? Should you consider a different physical fitness program?
o Can you get a generic medication that will do the same thing?
• Ask your doctor if there will be drug interactions between this medication and the ones you are already taking (you will have a list in your wallet, of course)
• Once you are sure that the new medication is necessary and you cannot get any samples, ask your doctor to prescribe a thirty day supply. This should give you enough time to see if you are experiencing any unpleasant side effects and if the medication is effective for you.
The Buy: Most people choose the most convenient pharmacy. Don’t let this be the only reason to select a pharmacist. Locate a pharmacy that you can trust; you should be comfortable asking questions — remember, it’s your health we are talking about.
• Check with the pharmacist or technician to find out if they have a regular staff or do they often have substitute pharmacists
• Find out how they determine if there are interactions with drugs, foods, and over the counter medications
• Find out if they are usually busy, or do they work at a reasonable pace
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